We're guessing that most Liverpool fans will be following Spain throughout Euro 2008. In honour of that, here's a preview ahead of the start of the competition.

Looking through the squad and it is impossible not to rank them among the favourites. Take a look at their history, however, and you’ll start having second thoughts. Spain once again go into a major championship wondering whether they’ll manage to fulfill their potential or if they will confirm all predictions of wilting under pressure.

The ability to go all the way is certainly there. In Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas they have two of Europe’s finest players whereas Ilker Casillas is second only to Gigi Buffon as far as goalkeepers are concerned. On their own they are players who can turn any match, irrespective of the opposition. No other team can boast as much.

Yet Spain’s task lies also in the supporting cast. That Luis Aragones will have to chose whether to play Xabi Alonso or if he is to rely on the central midfield partnership of Xavi and Iniesta gives an indication of just how talented this squad is. Forget that Mikel Arteta doesn’t even get a look in, Fabregas will have to play on the right to get a game.

Up front, if Torres doesn’t score then there’s always David Villa. The Valencia forward showed his talent when he hammered in the winner in the friendly against Italy and will be looking at this tournament as the one to place him among the game’s elite. How (and whether) he and Torres can fit to each other’s style is a question that has been asked repeatedly – especially in Madrid where there is still anger over Raul’s omission – yet players as talented as those two always manage to adapt: it is the less gifted players who struggle.

Not all of the Spanish players are household names. Yet. The probability is that soon much more will be known of the fantastically named Ruben De La Red, for instance. The Real Madrid player spent the past season at Getafe and was their inspiration as they made their way to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup.

It was an equally impressive season for striker Dani Guiza who topped the goalscoring charts. He might struggle to get a look in with Torres and Villa but Aragones has shown that he has confidence in the forward who can bring added strength to the attack.

Where the Spanish look decidedly susceptible is in the centre of defence. Carlos Puyol hasn’t had the greatest of seasons with Barcelona but the biggest worry surrounds whoever partners him in front of Casillas.

In the final preparation friendly against Peru that duty fell to Carlos Marchena who in all probability will be the one to start the championships in that position. The Valencia defender, however, hardly inspired and it was his misplaced clearance that granted the Peruvians the possibility to equalize.

Such lapses might prompt Aragones to shuffle his pack a bit and put Sergio Ramos in the middle with Alvaro Arbeloa slotting in at right back. It would diminish their overall efficacy because Ramos is exceptional in his favoured position yet it might be a sacrifice worth making if it provides more solidity in a crucial area.

Otherwise in defence they seem well places as the left-back – Joan Capdevila – could be one of the surprises of the tournament. The Villareal man has finally make it to the big time and he has adapted to international football impressively well.

Whether this current crop of players can cope just as comfortably with the pressure of expectations will determine whether they will finally be laying the ghosts to rest.